Royal Navy sent to deter Channel migrants

04/01/2019

Image copyright PA Image caption HMS Mersey was seen leaving Portsmouth harbour on Thursday afternoon A Royal Navy patrol ship has been sent to the English Channel to deter migrant crossings, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said HMS Mersey would “help prevent migrants from making the dangerous journey”.The UK Border Force…

Mr Javid said: “My focus continues to be on protecting the UK border and preventing loss of life in the Channel. For these reasons, the government has decided to deploy a navy vessel, HMS Mersey, to support our existing efforts.”

On Tuesday, French police said they stopped 14 migrants attempting to cross the Channel from Boulogne – the latest in a growing number of people intercepted by the French authorities in the past month.

The UK government has agreed a joint action plan with France, which includes the return of HMC Protector and Seeker from patrols between Europe and northern Africa.